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Birch was born in 2227. The 50-year-old chief of Oasis, Birch spends most of his time in the Pavilion, sitting on his throne, occasionally eating, and sleeping for a few hours at night. He also walks around Oasis, overseeing the village more directly. While the village is ostensibly a democratic commune, Tree Father Birch sees himself as the group's spiritual and temporal leader. He has cast himself in role similar to a high priest, worshipping the god-spirit Harold.[1]

"Yes, I've been pondering that riddle myself for some time now and I think I know what He's trying to tell us. The Great One's influence is growing and soon it will break free of the confines of this secluded vale. We can't allow Oasis to call attention to itself like that. It would be the end of Him."